how do you stay upbeat?

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anamerty
anamerty Member Posts: 195
edited June 2014 in Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis

I'm waiting for results of bone scan done last Thursday.Dr. already found a spot on my right rib that first ct scan showed, but second ct 3 weeks later showed shrinkage with healing? But he still thought it was bone mets.I hadn't been on chemo during that time and he was bewildered as to why it shrunk but still thinks its mets anyways. I am freaking out but trying to accept the fact that it is bone mets. I read this and other sections of this board and wonder how you all seem to have such an upbeat approch to your mets. If the bone scan is positive is it really posible to live with bone mets? It seems that you have many years ,but is that just a few of you,or is it really posible to live with it. I'm just having a really hard time right now..thanks for listening......Brenda

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  • BilateralBeauties
    BilateralBeauties Member Posts: 149
    edited February 2013

    Sending a hug anamerty. I don't really qualify to answer. Thinking of you. Hopefully you'll find some in your boat. I know they find resilience from others on this site.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2013

    Ditto on the hug! I was only diagnosed recently so also don't feel very qualified to give advice on staying upbeat. However, I can say that reading the stories and experiences of the remarkable women on the boards is what keeps me grounded, informed, realistic, and looking forward to each day. Some days are not as great as others and I give myself permission to rest or otherwise take care of myself in whatever way seems appropriate for the situation (which includes everything from pain meds, to escaping into a good book or guilty pleasure TV, to journaling, to munching on my favorite cookies, or having a good cry). I take better care of my overall health, spend more time working on the relationships that really matter, and focus more on the things I enjoy.



    But these boards are pretty much a mood lifter on almost any day...even when commemorating the life of a well loved member who has become an angel. These are women who know how to of live each day to its fullest.

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  • barsco1963
    barsco1963 Member Posts: 2,119
    edited February 2013

    Brenda - sorry that you are finding yourself here. But it is certainly a great place to find support and encouragement. I have always been a glass half full type so I guess that has helped me to remain upbeat. I look for the good things in my life that make me happy. I still have those down times where the fear creeps in, but they do pass.

    I hope that you find that you do not have mets, but if you do, please be reassured that you can live comfortably for many years.

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  • anamerty
    anamerty Member Posts: 195
    edited February 2013

    Just wanted to say thank you to all of you, without you all, I don't know what I'd do..Brenda

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  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 16,818
    edited February 2013

    Brenda, please be assured that it is very possible to live many years with just bone mets. I, like many others were told two to five years was my expected life at stage IV dx.........I am four years and counting.........lol........actually I don't count, I just live and love it!!!



    Love n hugs. Chrissy

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  • KiwiCatMom
    KiwiCatMom Member Posts: 2,553
    edited February 2013

    Hi,

    I'm new to this too.  Thanks for the encouraging post, Chrissy.  That helps a lot!  The radiation oncologist said 2 years would be easy but 3 wasn't likely and it was absolutely devestating.

    As to staying upbeat - if I figure it out, I'll let you know! I was diagnosed about 10 days ago and am still in shock, spontaneously crying, and generally terrified for my little family (which consists of a husband and five cats).  When I had my initial diagnosis, I had one pity party day. At the rate I'm going at the moment, I'm headed for a pity party month.  My brain knows that I need to get past this depression and sheer terror, but I haven't quite figured out how yet.

    I had a rod put into my femur a week ago and have been home recovering from the surgery since Wednesday (it's Sunday here).  I'm going to see if I can get myself to work tomorrow for at least part of the day; my boss is anxious for me to come back and my job isn't terribly secure, which rather adds to the stress of this whole thing.  I get my radiation alignment on Thursday and then start treatment the following week.  The pathology should be back next week too; they were able to scrape part of the lesion for biopsy when they did the rod. That will determine the course of treatment going forward.   

    At any rate, I know from past experience that these discussion boards are wonderful - they really helped me get through round 1 of cancer and I know they'll help me get through round 2. 

    Hugs to all of you.

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  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 16,818
    edited February 2013

    Kiwicatmom once you manage to get your head around the fact that bone mets are not an immediate death sentence you will feel better.......and of course once you've had your visit with your onc and find out if everything is the same as last time your treatment plan will be put in place and you will feel like you are fighting.  Its a day by day thing and evry day that passes is a bonus so try to enjoy each and every one.

    Love n hugs.   Chrissy

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